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where he was sad to learn there was no league. Determined to be
Now that the Jiminy Kick-Its have been together for a few
proactive, he signed up on WAKA’s website, indicating his inter-
years, the group is close, Cutler adds, and that makes the games
est in bringing the game to Cleveland. At the same time, Epstein
even better. “I really enjoy seeing my teammates. It’s a good
says, WAKA had hired someone to organize the kickball league in
chance to go out and have some dinner and a drink or two with
the area.
a large group of people,” he says. “It’s a really good
Kickball: baseball with a twist!
In the fall of 2005, the Ohio Great Lakes Division was formed, and Epstein recruited enough friends to start the Cleveland Jiminy Kick-Its. He is cocaptain of the team, along with friends Seth Cutler and Mike Hagesfeld. The Great Lakes Division has six teams and over 100 players. Playing in the kickball league gets better every
social outlet.” The game has fostered friendships, and for
The rules of baseball apply. Instead of a baseball, a red rubber ball is used and rolled to the plate, where the player kicks the ball. All the same positions and number of outs are the same as a baseball game.
year, as more people join the teams. “It’s evolved,”
Epstein admits. “It started out with a bunch of people I
Cutler, also career networking. “I’ve met people at games at other companies, who can help put you in contact with people in your career field,” he says. The social aspect combined with the ease
of playing kickball is another reason the sport is
attractive to participants of all ages and both genders.
knew. Then a couple of them brought (their) friends. It changes
“Anyone can play, and the game doesn’t take itself too seriously,”
(the roster) every season.”
Epstein explains. In its three-year history, the Cleveland Jiminy
Cutler, who has played since the Cleveland league’s inception, credits the success of the endeavor to the sport itself. “During the
Kick-Its has had players as young as 22 and as old as 60. “You don’t need great athletic skill or special talent to play.”
game, you are definitely playing to win, but you are playing kick-
The most appealing part of the after-work activity, Epstein
ball,” he says laughing. “As soon as the game is over, it’s over.” All
admits, lies in its simplicity. “It is just fun,” he says. “It’s light-
the teams meet after the matches for food, drink and socializing.
hearted, a little bit silly, and reminds you of your childhood.”
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